Device for electrodepositing metallic, prosthetic, molded, dental components

ABSTRACT

The invention pertains to a device for electrodepositing metallic, prosthetic, molded, dental components, whereby the device has a glass beaker for accommodating an electrolyte bath, a stirring system for moving the electrolyte bath, a heating system for heating the electrolyte bath, at least one anode and at least one cathode, as well as a unit for supplying electricity that is connected to at least one of the anodes and to at least one of the cathodes. Use is hereby made of a heating system that is formed from at least one infrared emitter whose main emission is in the 0.5 μm to 1000 μm range of wavelengths.

[0001] The invention pertains to a device for electrodepositingmetallic, prosthetic, molded, dental components, whereby the device hasa glass beaker for accommodating an electrolyte bath, a stirring systemfor moving the electrolyte bath, a heating system for heating theelectrolyte bath, at least one anode and at least one cathode, as wellas a unit for supplying electricity that is connected to the at leastone anode and to the at least one cathode. The invention also pertainsto the use of this device and to a process for the manufacture ofmetallic, prosthetic, molded, dental components via electrodepositionfrom an electrolyte bath, whereby the electrolyte bath is heated andmoved.

[0002] Such a device, or such a process, is known from DE 198 45 506 A1.The process, which is also termed an electroforming process, describesthe manufacture of prosthetic, molded components for the dental sectorvia the electrodeposition of metal, especially precious metals andprecious metal alloys. The prosthetic, molded components that aremanufactured are e.g. dental frameworks onto which ceramic or plasticcan be applied in the form of a facing. In addition, molded componentsare capable of being manufactured that are used in accordance with thedouble crown technique and the bridge technique, as well as those thatfind direct use. An aqueous gold sulfite [sic] bath is disclosed here,in particular, as an electrolyte bath for the electrodeposition of theprecious metal. The apparatus that is used for carrying out the processcomprises a heated magnetic stirrer for moving the electrolyte bath, atemperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the electrolytebath, a source of current/voltage, an electrolysis cell comprising aglass beaker with a cover and a stirring rod, as well as the anodes,cathodes and electrolyte bath. During the precious metal depositionprocess, the electrolyte bath is heated to deposition temperatures ofmore than 30° C., and preferably to a temperature in the 50 to 80° C.range.

[0003] DE 38 09 435 A1 discloses a device and a process for themanufacture of an inner crown comprising a precious metal for [sic;via?] electrodeposition. The device hereby comprises a bath containerwith the electroplating bath, a propeller stirrer for moving the bath, aresistance heating coil for heating the bath, an anode, a cathode, anauxiliary electrode, as well as a source of current.

[0004] JP 52-089536 discloses the irradiation of an electrolyte withradiation in the 200 through 450 nm range of wavelengths (UV radiation).The electrolyte in this case is a tin bath in which metallic particlesof tin are to be dissolved. The UV radiation brings about the removal ofthe oxide skin on the individual metallic tin particles, and henceimproves the dissolution characteristics of these metallic tin particlesin the tin bath. The device that is used in this case has a glasscontainer in which the tin bath and the metallic tin powder are located.The tin bath is hereby moved by means of a magnetic stirrer. The UVemitter for irradiating the suspension is located above the surface ofthe suspension.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,086 discloses the manufacture of metallic orceramic layers via electrophoretic deposition or electrodeposition inorder to form dental crowns or dental bridges. An apparatus is disclosedin this case that has a glass or plastic container with anelectrophoresis bath or an electrodeposition bath. The bath is herebymoved by means of a magnetic stirrer.

[0006] In addition, an electroforming apparatus (Preciano system) andthe functional principle of electroforming are known from thepublication “Eine konsequente Weiterentwicklung desGalvanoforming-Verfahrens” [A consistent further development of theelectroforming process] by the Heraeus Kulzer GmbH & Co. KG company(offprint from DENTAL LABOR, Number 4/1999, Verlag Neuer Merkur[printing company], Munich, authors: Dr. Brämer, Dr. Tertsch, Dr.Schuster, and Messrs. Unkelbach, Raupach, Kimmel, and Schmid). Theelectroforming apparatus has a transparent glass beaker with a lidthrough which one leads the cathodes on which the objects, which are tobe coated, are arranged. The anode is also led through the lid. Theobjects that are to be coated are provided with a silver conductinglacquer, and are immersed completely in an electrolyte bath that ismoved by means of a magnetic stirrer. A gold bath is hereby disclosed asthe electrolyte.

[0007] Comparatively long electroplating times are required in order toachieve a molded dental object with an adequate layer thickness by meansof electroforming. The molded objects that are formed must also have ahomogeneous layer structure, a uniform layer thickness, and adequatestrength. High quality requirements are also stipulated for theadditional properties of the molded components, such as porosity, wearresistance, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appearance in regard togloss and surface quality. Deposition times in the range of many hoursare usually required in order to satisfy all of these requirements. Inthe case of the known electroforming apparatus, heating of theelectrolyte bath takes place via a hot plate that is arranged in directcontact with the electrolyte container. Accordingly, the heating of theelectrolyte takes place via thermal conduction, and is correspondinglyslow.

[0008] The problem for the invention is thus to provide a device and aprocess for the manufacture of metallic, prosthetic, molded dentalcomponents by means of electrodeposition, whereby this device andprocess lead to shortened deposition times.

[0009] The problem is solved for the device by using a heating systemthat is formed from at least one infrared emitter whose main emission isin the 0.5 μm to 1000 μm range of wavelengths.

[0010] Heating of the electrolyte bath by means of thermal radiation issignificantly more rapid than heating by means of thermal conduction. Inthis way, heating times can be achieved that are shorter by a factor of3 to 5 as a result of using thermal radiation. This is especiallyimportant when the deposition times for a molded, dental component arerelatively short.

[0011] It has proven valuable, in particular, in this way if the atleast one infrared emitter is arranged next to the glass beaker, orparallel to the wall of the glass beaker. In addition, it is possible toarrange the at least one infrared emitter above the glass beaker, orover the glass beaker. In this case, attention must be paid to therequirement that the attachment of the anode(s) and cathode(s) in theglass beaker permit access of the radiation to the electrolyte. If theanode(s) and cathode(s) are attached to a lid, which seals the glassbeaker, then the at least one infrared emitter can be integrated intothis lid or can be arranged above the lid if this lid is transparent tothe thermal radiation.

[0012] It has also proven valuable to arrange the at least one thermalemitter below the glass beaker. In this case, the infrared emitter canbe combined with a magnetic stirring unit so that stirring movement ispossible within the electrolyte bath.

[0013] In addition, it is possible to arrange the at least one infraredemitter in the glass beaker, or to integrate the at least one infraredemitter into a wall of the glass beaker. In this case, the infraredemitter can also be immersed wholly or partially in the electrolytebath.

[0014] A further possible form of embodiment of the device is when theat least one infrared emitter encompasses the maximum diameter of theglass beaker. In this case, for example, the glass beaker can be placedin the middle of a coil-shaped infrared emitter. However, an annulararrangement of infrared emitters with an annular cross-section is alsoconceivable, whereby these infrared emitters are aligned parallel ortangentially relative to the wall of the beaker.

[0015] Naturally, it is also possible to combine, in any way with oneanother, the possibilities that are listed above for positioning the atleast one infrared emitter. Attention must merely be paid to therequirement that materials that are located in the path of the raysbetween the at least one infrared emitter and the electrolyte bathpermit the heating of the electrolyte bath.

[0016] It has proven especially valuable if the main emission of the atleast one infrared emitter is in the 0.5 μm to 4 μm range ofwavelengths.

[0017] Quartz glass, for example, has proven valuable as the materialfor the glass beaker. However, attention merely has to be paid here tothe requirement that quartz glass is not usually transparent towavelengths of more than 4 μm, and account must be taken of this in theselection of the infrared emitter and/or its arrangement.

[0018] In regard to the manufacturing costs of the device, it has provenvaluable if the at least one infrared emitter is suitable for theproduction of polychromatic radiation. It is also possible, however, touse an infrared emitter that is suitable for the production ofmonochromatic radiation.

[0019] In addition, it has proven valuable to use a magnetic stirrer asthe stirring system for the electrolyte bath. However, use can also bemade of other stirring systems, such as e.g., motor-driven propellerstirrers, or similar devices.

[0020] In addition, it has proven valuable to provide a temperaturesensor in order to regulate the electrolyte bath thermostatically. Inthis case, it has proven valuable to arrange the temperature sensor inthe electrolyte bath.

[0021] The anode(s) and cathode(s) are advantageously attached to a lidthat is suitable for sealing the glass beaker. Rapid and uncomplicatedpositioning of the objects that are to be coated in the electrolyte bathis possible in this way.

[0022] The use of such a device for electrodepositing three-dimensional,metallic, prosthetic, molded dental components is ideal.

[0023] The problem is solved for the process by heating the electrolytebath by means of at least one infrared emitter whose main emission is inthe 0.5 μm to 1000 μm range of wavelengths.

[0024] Heating of the electrolyte bath by means of thermal radiation issignificantly more rapid than heating by means of thermal conduction. Inthis way, heating times can be achieved that are shorter by a factor of3 to 5 as a result of using thermal radiation. This is especiallyimportant when the deposition times for a molded, dental component arerelatively short.

[0025] It is especially preferred in this connection if the mainemission is in the 0.5 μm to 4 μm range of wavelengths.

[0026] It has proven to be valuable in this regard if the at least oneinfrared emitter emits polychromatic radiation. Use can also be made ofan infrared emitter, however, that emits monochromatic radiation.

[0027] A precious metal bath is preferably used as the electrolyte bath.Use is made, in particular, of aqueous gold baths in this regard.However, baths for the deposition of precious metal alloys are alsopreferred.

[0028] The following diagrammatic illustrations 1 through 5 willelucidate the invention by way of examples. Thus:

[0029]FIG. 1 shows the schematic structure of a known device forcarrying out the electroforming process;

[0030]FIG. 2 shows the schematic structure of a device in accordancewith the invention in which the infrared emitter is arranged above theglass beaker;

[0031]FIG. 3 shows the schematic structure of a device in accordancewith the invention in which the infrared emitter is arranged below theglass beaker;

[0032]FIG. 4 shows the schematic structure of a device in accordancewith the invention in which the infrared emitter is arranged next to theglass beaker;

[0033]FIG. 5 shows the schematic structure of a device in accordancewith the invention in which the infrared emitter is immersed in theelectrolyte bath.

[0034]FIG. 1 shows the schematic structure of a known device forcarrying out the electroforming process, whereby the device has a glassbeaker 1 that is filled with an electrolyte bath 2. An anode 3 and acathode 4 a are located in the electrolyte bath 2, whereby a moldedcomponent 4 b is arranged on the cathode, and whereby the metal from theelectrolyte bath 2 is to be deposited on the surface of the moldedcomponent 4 b. The glass beaker 1 is located on a resistance-heated hotplate 5 in order to heat the electrolyte bath 2. In addition, a magneticstirrer 6 a is provided by means of which a magnetic stirring rod 6 b ismoved in the electrolyte bath 2, and brings about intensive movement ofthe electrolyte bath 2. The electrical contacting arrangement for theanode 3 and the cathode 4 a, 4 b is not illustrated separately.

[0035]FIG. 2 shows, by way of example, the schematic structure of adevice in accordance with the invention in which an infrared emitter 7is arranged above the glass beaker 1.

[0036]FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, the schematic structure of adevice in accordance with the invention in which an infrared emitter 7is arranged below the glass beaker 1.

[0037]FIG. 4 shows, by way of example, the schematic structure of adevice in accordance with the invention in which an infrared emitter 7is arranged next to the glass beaker 1.

[0038]FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, the schematic structure of adevice in accordance with the invention in which an infrared emitter 7is immersed in the electrolyte bath 2.

[0039] It is explicitly added that other arrangements of one or moreinfrared emitters are also suitable for heating the electrolyte bath 2,and that these are therefore contained in the thought behind theinvention.

1. Device for electrodepositing metallic, prosthetic, molded, dentalcomponents, whereby the device has: a glass beaker for accommodating anelectrolyte bath, a stirring system for moving the electrolyte bath, aheating system for heating the electrolyte bath, at least one anode andat least one cathode, and a unit for supplying electricity that isconnected to the at least one anode and to the at least one cathode,characterized by the feature that the heating system is formed from atleast one infrared emitter whose main emission is in the 0.5 μm to 1000μm range of wavelengths.
 2. Device in accordance with claim 1,characterized by the feature that the at least one infrared emitter isarranged a) next to the glass beaker, and/or b) above the glass beaker,and/or c) below the glass beaker, and/or d) in the glass beaker, and/ore) in a manner in which it encompasses the maximum diameter of the glassbeaker and that, at least with the occurrence of one of the cases a) orc) or e), the glass beaker is formed from a material that is translucentat least to the main emission of the at least one infrared emitter. 3.Device in accordance with one claim 1, wherein the main emission of theat least one infrared emitter is in the 0.5 μm to 4 μm range ofwavelengths.
 4. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the glassbeaker is formed from quartz glass.
 5. Device in accordance with claim1, wherein the at least one infrared emitter is suitable for theproduction of polychromatic radiation.
 6. Device in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the at least one infrared emitter is suitable for theproduction of monochromatic radiation.
 7. Device in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the stirring system is a magnetic stirring system. 8.Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor ispresent for measuring the temperature of the electrolyte bath.
 9. Devicein accordance with claim 1, wherein the anode(s) and the cathode(s) areattached to a lid that is suitable for sealing the glass beaker.
 10. Amethod comprising electrodepositing three-dimensional, metallic,prosthetic, molded dental components using a device in accordance withclaim
 1. 11. Process for the manufacture of metallic, prosthetic,molded, dental components via electrodeposition from an electrolytebath, whereby the electrolyte bath is heated and moved, wherein theelectrolyte bath is heated by at least one infrared emitter whose mainemission is in the 0.5 μm to 1000 μm range of wavelengths.
 12. Processin accordance with claim 11, wherein the electrolyte bath is heated byat least one infrared emitter whose main emission is in the 0.5 μm to 4μm range of wavelengths.
 13. Process in accordance with claim 11,wherein the infrared emitter emits polychromatic radiation.
 14. Processin accordance with claim 11, wherein the infrared emitter emitsmonochromatic radiation.
 15. Process in accordance with claim 11, aprecious metal bath is used as the electrolyte bath.
 16. Process inaccordance with claim 15, wherein a gold bath is used as the preciousmetal bath.